Arts Commission Special Programs
2008-2009 During 2008-2009, the Arts COmmission will have undertake or will be in the process of facilitating the following programs. The budget for these programs, collected from 2007 - 2008 Business Improvement District funds, was $165,000 with an additional $21,500 of prior year funds which were transferred to current projects as noted below.
a) Artist Designed Bench Program: A design by Doug Snider for two benches to be located at the entrances to the Art-a-Fair and Sawdust Art Festivals was recently approved. It is anticipated the benches will be installed prior to the 2009 summer festival season.
Total: $11,000 (Total project $52,000 which includes prior year funds.)
b) Banner and Palette Competitions: The annual programs decorate the City during the summer and winter months. Six banner designs and six palette designs were added to the City's permanent collection.
Total: $17,000
C) City Hall Exhibitions: Three competitions were conducted that culminated with exhibitions at City Hall. "Art That's Small at City Hall", "Juried Fine Art Exhibition" and the "Children's Holiday Palette Exhibition were exhibited in April, November and December respectively. During the rest of the year paintings on loan from the permanent collection of the Festival of Arts and the MFA Student Program at the Laguna College of Art & Design were on exhibit.
Total: $11,000
d) Cultural Arts Publications: FOur quarterly publications of the Cultural Arts Calendar were published and distributed to every home in Laguna Beach through the Recreation brochure and through the Laguna Beach Visitors and Conference Bureau. The public art brochure has been updates, in unison of the premiere of the public art documentary titled "Eye View". THe 2009 Directory, listing artists exhibiting, working or residing in Laguna Beach, along with a listing of non-profit arts organizations and galleries is available at the Cultural Arts Department.
Total: $26,000
e) Cultural Arts Facilities: THe long term goal of the Arts Commission is to provide a facility where visual and performing artists can teach, exhibit and perform their work. Each year, the Arts Commission would like to allocate funds towards the facilitation of this larger project. This goal was identified in the Cultural Arts Plan as a high priority.
Total: $50,000
f) Performances: The seven week concert series was conducted in July, August and September at Bluebird Park. The concert included a variety of genres and 600 to 700 people attended each concert. In addition, the Commission initiated a new program on four Friday's in May at Main Beach and in September at Heisler Park called "Sunset Serenades." The Arts Commission also screened three films in January titled "Friday Flicks at the Forum." All events are free to participants.
Total: $20,000g) Public Art Tour: This event was held in September 2008. A docent led trolley tour departed from the Act V parking lot and took participants on a tour of public places throughout the city. The next tour will be held in April 2010.
Total: $6,000
h) Restoration of Public Art: Throughout the year, maintenance was undertaken on many of the public art pieces to ensure their longevity and safety. Restoration of the oldest sculpture in the public art collection, "Boy and Dog" by Ruth Peabody located at Jahraus Park was completed in late 2008. A re-dedication is scheduled for May 2008.
Total: $11,500i) Temporary Sculpture Restoration Program: There are currently three locations for the temporary exhibition of sculpture. In July 2008, a bronze sculpture by artist Tuan on loan from Masterpiece Publishing was installed. The sculpture was recently donated to the City as a value of $225,000.
Total: $6,000
j) Sculpture Laguna Frontage Road: A sculpture competition was planned, however, upon review; the funds were redirected with City Council approval towards the creation of a public art documentary. Completes in March 2009, the documentary provides a unique insight into 5 pieces of public art and the artists who created them.
Total: $28,000 
